The concept of high performance electric vehicles is gaining more momentum as high-capacity battery technology advance. Mitsubishi is keen to emphasize this with its i MiEV Sport Concept. As another variation of Mitsubishi's i MiEV (Mitsubishi innovated Electric Vehicle) research vehicle, the i MiEV Sport uses a "fastback" roof line to express its sporting intentions, although not as sporty as the Mitsubishi Concept-CT which also uses MiEV technology with gasoline hybrid engine but not nearly as sporty as the Lancer Evolution MiEV.
The i MiEV Sport also uses a similar powertrain to the i MiEV which has two electric motors inside each of the front wheels while a single motor drives both rear wheels. Through a series of electronic controllers, ABS and stability control, motor output at the front wheels can be controlled and torque can be regulatied from left to right on the rear wheels. As a result, the i MiEV sport essentially has an all-wheel-drive system which independently controls power output, traction and braking at all four wheels.
Besides producing zero emissions, the i MiEV has no engine, transmission and auxiliary system to slow it down. As a result, the electric motors with a direct connection to the wheels ensure an efficient transfer of power with little loss.
Based on the i MiEV, the i MiEV SPORT enhances the "driving" image of Mitsubishi's electric vehicles. The car features Mitsubishi Motors' unique in-wheel motors in the front plus S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) — the company's vehicle dynamics control system — to achieve high manoeuvrability as well as high levels of both environmental and running performance.
The car brings a new closeness between people and cars; allowing them to become more a part of daily life.
Design
The "fastback" exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that is pleasing and lively. An efficient, environmentally friendly electric vehicle thanks to its compact size, it also possesses exceptionally fluid styling. A simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home. Geometry, metallic materials and body epitomize the futuristic electric vehicle. Interior lighting, too, has been carefully thought out, with the use of many blue LEDs suggestive of nature, creating a sophisticated, cutting-edge atmosphere.
The light green exterior marks another association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind. The interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.
Packaging
Like the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout. Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment. This layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower centre of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.
Body Structure
An aluminium space frame — a combination of aluminium extrusions and aluminium die casting — is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight.
The optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilizing Mitsubishi's latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realizes excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.
Powertrain / S-AWC
The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the "i MiEV" system. An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor. In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total manoeuvrability and maximum stability.
Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology
Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT. Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down. Much of the lighting is by bright, power-saving LEDs, including in the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior, and the efficiency of the air conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass. In addition, Green Plastic — Mitsubishi Motors' unique plant-based resin technology — is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.
Specifications
Overall length
3,450 [mm]
Overall width
1,600 [mm]
Overall height
1,400 [mm]
Wheelbase
2,550 [mm]
Track (F/R)
1,405/1,405 [mm]
Seating capacity
2 + 2
Motors
Permanent magnetic synchronous motors
Front: In-wheel motors
Rear: Single motor
It looks rather small, but it is only 100 mm shorter than Fiat 500 and it has a 2+2 configuration which means that two adults will have enough room in the front seats. So, seeing that in my country (Romania),people go to work solo or just with another passanger in their personal cars, I would be very happy to see only such small and eco-friendly cars on the road. More than that, the 200 km range is more than enough for a city like Bucharest, which is of medium size. So, I think it is a great idea, especially because it has zero emissions.
